Texans running back Ben Tate is brought down by 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite during the first quarter.

Texans running back Ben Tate is brought down by 49ers inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans running back Arian Foster looks for room to run against the 49ers defense.

Texans running back Arian Foster looks for room to run against the 49ers defense.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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49ers defensive back Perrish Cox brings down Texans tight end Owen Daniels during the first quarter.

49ers defensive back Perrish Cox brings down Texans tight end Owen Daniels during the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans quarterback Matt Schaub heads toward the bench during the second quarter.

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub heads toward the bench during the second quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws a pass during the second quarter.

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws a pass during the second quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans shows their support at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Texans fans shows their support at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans shows their support at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Texans fans shows their support at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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49ers cheerleaders take the field before the first quarter.

49ers cheerleaders take the field before the first quarter.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans fans shows their support at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Texans fans shows their support at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Texans running back Arian Foster warms up before facing the 49ers.

Texans running back Arian Foster warms up before facing the 49ers.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Duane Brown's frustration shows on personal foul

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Duane Brown earned an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty after Ben Tate’s fourth-quarter fumble, but he wouldn’t pass what happened off as acceptable frustration on his part.

“It was just stupidity,” Brown said. “It was stupid. I can’t justify it my head. I can’t talk my way around it. It was a late hit and it put the defense in a tough spot (on the Texans’ 8-yard line). It won’t happen again.”

The fumble and the penalty preceded a field goal that finished the Niners scoring.

Cushing passes on Schaub-Yates question

Linebacker Brian Cushing opted not to involve himself in the ongoing quarterback debate despite Matt Schaub’s three interceptions Sunday night, which created more havoc for the defense.

Asked about Gary Kubiak replacing Schaub with T. J. Yates after Schaub’s third interception, Cushing said: “It’s up to the coach. At that point, more than anything the game is out of hand (so) you’d be sick if someone got hurt. I don’t know if it was the right move. (But) it was made.”

On Cushing’s fourth pick-six in four games, Cushing said, “It happens. There are four quarters in a football game. We had plenty of time to come back. Obviously, we didn’t come close.”